Eyelash extensions are great alternatives when you’re tired of keeping track of falsies and want full lashes 24/7. Who wouldn’t want flirty and effortless volume every day? Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end (or filled in every few weeks). When you’re ready to take off your eyelash extensions, the question remains — how do I get them off without tearing off my natural lashes?

We’re here to explain how to remove eyelash extensions safely to keep your lashes and eyes intact. We’ll also go over how you can safely speed up the removal process at home and whether or not you should make a DIY attempt. We’ll warn you now — the steps we’ll lay out will take more than a day to work since eyelash glue is pretty strong.

Is It Safe To Remove Eyelash Extensions at Home?

Removing any type of eyelash extension at home can be unsafe for many reasons. You should never pick or pull at your extensions since you put yourself at risk for infections and lash loss. You’ll need professional-grade lash glue remover to loosen the glue all at once.

Even if you can get a hold of a bottle, you likely won’t be able to get them off as well as an experienced lash tech. Lash glue remover also stings if you get it in your eyes. 

The bottom line is that attempting to remove your lashes in one sitting at home will probably do more harm than good. Although DIY removal isn’t the best route, there are some things you can do at home to safely loosen your lash extensions to help them eventually fall out.

1. Wash Your Face

Some ingredients in makeup removers and cleansers are great for weakening lash glue. For example, oil-based products can break down the adhesive in the glue. These products are your worst enemy if you’re trying to maintain them, but your best friend if you’re ready to part ways with your extensions. Incorporate these products into your normal skin care routine so you don’t overwash your face. 

2. Apply Steam 

Steam and heat are some other elements that can loosen the lash glue in your extensions. To start, fill a bowl or your sink with hot water. Then, drape a towel over the back of your head and lean your face over the bowl. This keeps your face immersed in steam. Face steams are also naturally relaxing and cleansing, so you can add this ritual to your nightly routine.

Keep your head above the bowl for about 10 to 15 minutes, but not too close. You may get steam burns if you keep your face inches away from the bowl. If you want an even simpler way to introduce steam to your face, take warm showers!

3. Use Oil

If you want to take an extra step, you can apply oil directly to your lash line. You’ll need to pay close attention so you don’t get the oil in your eyes. Immediately flush your eyes if you get oil in them.

Before you start, you can put on under-eye pads to catch any lash and glue debris. Pick these up at your local beauty supply store.

Below are a couple methods to apply oil to your lashes.

• Use a cotton pad and hold it to your lashes. To do this, soak the pad with your oil of choice, keep your eyes closed, and apply to your lash line for a few minutes. 
• Use a cotton swab or a spoolie to apply the oil directly to the lash line. Soak your tool of choice in the oil and swipe it on your lash line where the lash adhesive sits. You can leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning.
  

Some Pros recommend coconut oil, olive oil, and castor oil because of the reported benefits for eyelash growth. There isn’t much research out there to back up those claims, but these oils are generally considered safe to use. The benefits of olive oil are that it works quickly, meanwhile the benefits of coconut oil are that it works even quicker to remove the adhesive. You can use castor oil to keep your eyelashes thick since it works a bit slower and requires more application. Either way, using an oil based cleanser will start to dissolve the lash glue. The oil combined with the ingredients in the eyelash glue will cause it to loosen and allow the extensions to come off. It is best to do your own research to see what works best for you.

You should spot test any oil on a small part of your skin for a few hours to check for allergic reactions. You can also chat with your dermatologist to get safe oil recommendations for your skin.

4. Apply Mascara

Oil-based mascara is another great choice since you might already have this in your routine. The oils in mascara can loosen adhesive in the lash glue. Plus, it’s a great way to conceal stragglers while your lash extensions are slowly falling off!

How Can I Care for My Lashes After My Extensions Have Fallen Out?

You can use eyelash serums or conditioners to keep your lashes healthy and encourage growth. You likely won’t see your lashes grow overnight, but long-term care is one of your best options for full natural lashes. You should be extra gentle when applying eye makeup and avoid rubbing your eyes to give them a break after the lash extension.

Although these tips can make your extensions fall out faster, we highly recommend seeing your lash tech to remove eyelash extensions. All of these still carry some risk of shedding your natural lashes. Professional removal is the best way to avoid lash damage, loss, and infection. If you have lash extensions, find a lash tech Pro in your neighborhood to safely remove them and for more to care for your lashes.

Post-Lash Extension Removal

Once you have completed the lash removal process, you can decide whether you want to get another professional eyelash extension done or give yourself a break from all the harsh eyelash glue and use temporary options like fake eyelashes or just take an eyelash curler to your natural lash. Regardless of the option you choose, there are many ways to enhance your eyelashes either at home or with a lash expert.